8OLYMPIC SUMMERSport and Scripture join hands

4 CELEBRATING First Jamaican Scripture launched

10BIBLE SUNDAY Off the page – and into lives

The Bible – sharing it and living it Winter 2012biblesociety.org.uk

BIBLESOCIETY

A child ofBethlehem Bible work in the

Holy Land

Word in Action Winter 2012

VIEWPOINT

FULL OF LIFEREADING THROUGH the stories andprojects featured in this edition of Wordin Action, I’m struck again by how theBible is a book full of life. ‘Life’ isn’tnecessarily a word that many in oursociety would associate with thiscollection of ancient texts, but we’recommitted to changing thatperception. The Scriptures witness tothe Living Word and invite us to

encounter Him through its pages. It is a thrilling privilege to be involvedin work that offers something of that vital, vibrant life to the world!

I hope you’ll enjoy reading about the launch of the first ever JamaicanNew Testament, our film competition that encourages more people toengage with the Bible and our work to bring Christmas to Bethlehem.You make all of this possible. Can I also encourage you to celebrateBible Sunday on 28 October, or a date that’s more convenient? BibleSunday is a great opportunity not only to celebrate the Scriptures butalso to support Bible Society’s work at home and abroad with thosewho can’t or choose not to access them. We think they’re missing out.

We so value all of your support – in prayer, in wills, in a couple ofcoins dropped in a Gift Aid envelope, in volunteering activity. There isa real sense of partnering in our work with our supporters, for whichI’m continually grateful.

James Catford Group Chief Executive, Bible Society

Bible Society Stonehill Green, Westlea, Swindon SN5 7DG T 01793 418100 F 01793 418118 biblesociety.org.uk

Charity Reg. No. 232759 Patron Her Majesty The Queen Chairman of the Board Philip Green Group Chief Executive James Catford

Editor wia@biblesociety.org.uk or call 01793 418100 Designer Chris Gander

Bible Society Product Order Line 0800 652 5369 Free Materials Order Line 01793 418384

Product no. PBPM 001340 Online ordering shop.biblesociety.org.uk/wia

Donations hotline 01793 418222

Printed on environmentally friendly paper Bible Society © 2012

ELVIS BIBLE UP FORAUCTION

A Bible that belonged to ElvisPresley and containinghandwritten notes by the starwas put up for auction in August,marking the 35th anniversary ofhis death. The Bible was aChristmas gift from his UncleVester and Aunt Clettes. The1,600 page leather-boundvolume includes numerousannotations from Presley, whodied on 16 August 1977. Thecollection, which comprised morethan 100 lots of rare Elvismemorabilia, was being sold onbehalf of a British Elvis collector.The Bible was expected to fetchmore than £20,000.

YORK MYSTERY PLAYS WINCRITICAL ACCLAIM

There have been Mystery Plays –theatrical retellings of biblicalstories played out by craftsmen'sguilds – in York since the 14thcentury. A new rendition of thismedieval tradition opened inAugust, performed by a cast ofsome 500 volunteers. Describedby one critic as ‘often piercinglymoving’, the three-hour longproduction prompted positivereviews from the national press,getting four stars in TheTelegraph and five stars in TheGuardian.

CHRISTIANS INCREASINGLYVULNERABLE IN SYRIA

Christians in Syria are becomingextremely concerned that theyare vulnerable to the violencesweeping the country. They makeup 10 per cent of the populationof 22 million people and areafraid the country will becomeanother Iraq, with Christianscaught in the crossfire betweenrival Islamic groups. Maximos al-Jamal, a Greek Orthodox priestwho is still living in Homs, saidonly 90 of the civilians in twobesieged Homs neighbourhoodsare Christians, down fromthousands who lived in the areabefore the uprising.

BBC NEWSREADER KEEN TOMEET JESUS

BBC newsreader Huw Edwardshas told the Daily Mail that Jesusis the figure from history hewould most like to talk to. Whenasked which figure from historyhe would like to buy a pie and apint from, Mr Edwards said,'Talking to him would unlock themystery of his life'. He also saidhis grandmother's Bible was ‘hismost prized possession.'

RAP IS A ‘COOL THING' FORTELLING BIBLE STORIES

A Welsh-language musician hasreleased an album bringing Biblestories to life through rap. EdHolden recorded six tracks withchildren from around BlaenauFfestiniog, telling the stories ofJesus, David, Noah and Goliath,among others. 'Before I beganthis project, I didn't have thatmuch interest in the Bible,' saidHolden. 'I always thought that itwas something for true believers,until I created a rap version ofZacchaeus' story. After this myopinion changed completely.'

TOUR WINNER’S MESSAGESFROM GOD

Tour de France winner BradleyWiggins has been receiving‘messages from God’ since hishistoric victory in July. The Bishopof Blackburn, Rt Revd NicholasReade told him, ‘In the Bible, StPaul looking back on his lifewrites, “I have fought the goodfight, I have finished the race, Ihave kept the faith.”’ Wigginsposted a message on his Twitterpage that said: ‘Just had amessage from God! Literally!’

Another godly message camefrom the Sisters of Bethany, atweeting silent order of prayingnuns in Portsmouth. Theytweeted, ‘Congrats BradleyWiggins! Crank up your prayerlife by reading a bit of the Bibleeach day. If you are puncturedget a new version.’

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Thank you for your support of Bible Society. Donations to our work worldwide enable us to respond quickly where

the needs are greatest. Please use the enclosed response form.

IN THE NEWS

Front cover: Natalia Imseeh learns aboutthe Bible through attending Bible Camp inBethlehem. Find out on page 7 how yoursupport is helping children like Natalia andothers to experience the Bible in an excitingand engaging way. Photo: Bible Society/Clare Kendall

Winter 2012 Word in Action

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BLAIR ‘DOES GOD’ Tony Blair's spin doctor,Alastair Campbell once said'we don't do God'. But Blair, aCatholic convert did just that ata Theos-organised event.

In July, at the last of theWestminster Faith Debates, helaid his faith on the line.

Mr Blair was debating the roleof religion in public life with theArchbishop of Canterbury, DrRowan Williams, former editorof The Daily Telegraph, CharlesMoore and the former HomeSecretary, Charles Clarke.

Mr Blair said that he believed inJesus Christ, the resurrection,and personal salvation.

Describing his work afterNumber Ten as ‘the after life’

Mr Blair said, ‘I am a Christianand I believe in salvationthrough Jesus Christ.’

He described Jesus’ resurrectionfrom the dead, as told in theBible, as a ‘very important andessential part of the Christianfaith.’

He told a questioner who askedhow he could possibly believe inthe resurrection that, ‘You haveto accept that people whobelieve the Christian faithbelieve [this]. It’s important tounderstand the context inwhich we believe what we doand what it means to us.’

Mr Blair and his wife Cheriehave brought their children upas Catholics, but he has rarely

been so explicit about his faithbefore.

He said it was ‘basic andfundamental’ that the Christianvoice should be ‘heard’ inBritain.

Mr Blair was speaking at thelast of seven debates aboutfaith in public life organised bythe Tony Blair Faith Foundationand Bible Society’s friends atthink tank Theos.

Mr Blair also said that he hadnever prayed with George Bushbefore the invasion of Iraq.

Quizzed by Charles Moore hesaid, ‘It wouldn’t have been awrong thing to do, but it didn’thappen.’

(l-r) Former PM Tony Blair with Former Daily Telegraph editor, Charles Moore, and Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr Rowan Williams

WILL SMITH TO BRINGSTORY OF CAIN TO THE BIGSCREEN

It's been confirmed that WillSmith – star of Men In Black willbe producing and starring in amovie called Redemption of Cain.

The biblical story of Cain, found in Genesis 4, has inspiredall kinds of retellings, and thescant details about Cain'swanderings and the mark God puts on him have oftenattracted speculation. Smith’sinterpretation of the Cain andAbel story is rumoured to have a'vampiric twist'. Filming is due tostart in 2013.

The Pitch, Bible Society'scompetition for up-and-comingfilmmakers to produce a short filmbased on the Bible, also closessoon – read more on page 6.

Word in Action Winter 2012

4COVER FEATURE – YOUR GIFTS CHANGING LIVES

It’s big, from the B to the G. It’s huge,from the H to the E. God is doing

something big with this translation.From where I sit, I don’t evenunderstand what he’s doing, but Iknow it will be great.’

So says Revd Courtney Stewart,General Secretary of the Bible Societyof the West Indies, as he contemplatesthe imminent launch of the firstJamaican New Testament – thebiggest body of work ever produced inthe language spoken by five millionJamaicans around the world.

This groundbreaking translation will belaunched in the UK and Jamaica nextmonth at a series of public events.

It’s the result of 20 years faithfulwork by Courtney and his team –and crucially, your support. Ashe sits in an hotel near BibleSociety’s offices in Swindon toprepare for the UK launch,Courtney confesses to feelingslightly overwhelmed.

‘This is bigger than I couldhave ever imagined. It hastaken on a life of its own.It’s bigger than me,bigger than BibleSociety, or thetranslators, or theuniversity staff weworked with,’ he said.

‘We have blazed atrail that no one in the 400-

year history of our language has done.Yes, Patois has played a part in music,drama and entertainment. But wehave taken the language and gonedirectly to the most serious and highly-

regarded and most respected work, theBible.’

Overcoming challengeThe ambitious project faced challengeright from the outset, from people whofelt that Patois – or Jamaican as it’snow being called – was too ‘base’ alanguage to convey the truth andbeauty of Scripture. The biggest hurdlefor Courtney was convincing theChurch in Jamaica, which uses the KJVas standard, that the project wasworthwhile. Here too, there’s beencontroversy – most notably fromformer MP Ann Widdecombe.

Even at its launch, the Jamaican NewTestament (JNT) is likely to divideopinion. But the translation team inJamaica have pulled out all the stopsto make sure their work is of thehighest standard.

The audio recording, which features30 voices, has taken months toprepare – and Courtney says, ‘It’s abrilliant piece of work. The peoplewe’ve used are master speakers ofJamaican, and their voices carryelegance and passion.’ It’ll beavailable on CD and memory sticks,and as a download from the internet.

Meanwhile, the printed version hasbeen typeset by Bible Society in theUK and 10,000 copies have been runoff. It has been produced as a diglot,with the JNT in one column and theKJV in the other. Courtney explains:‘Many people in Jamaica think the KJVis the original and best translation. Sowe’re putting the most lovedtranslation alongside the newest, andmost uniquely Jamaican, translation.People who read this will have the

A year ago we appealed forhelp to complete Jamaica’sfirst Bible translation intoPatois. Your response wasoverwhelming – and nextmonth, the first everJamaican New Testament isbeing launched.

Celebrations Jamaican

‘

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Revd Courtne

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Stewart

Winter 2012 Word in Action

for first Scripture

best of both worlds.’

Powerful impactAnticipation is building in Jamaica asmore people start to hear snippets ofthe Jamaican New Testament.Courtney expects that within a year upto 60 per cent of Jamaican churcheswill regularly be using the newtranslation.

The impact is likely to be powerful –and far reaching.

‘I believe this will give churches thefreedom to communicate the Word ofGod as never before. To hearexpressions we have grown up with,language that’s so familiar, used in thiscontext will bring a fresh understandingof the Bible,’ said Courtney.

‘For society, the JNT will put to bedthose criticisms that the Bible in

Jamaican shouldn’t be done. Guesswhat, it’s done. The Bible will start tospeak to Jamaica’s issues in a new way.’

Thanks to youAs he described the excitement aroundthe planned events, including inchurches in London and Birminghamand at Emancipation Park in Kingston,Jamaica, Courtney reflected on ajourney with ups and downs, successesand pitfalls. And he asked to pass thismessage on; without supporters likeyou, this new translation simply wouldnot have been completed:

‘There’s no way we would havereached this point without yoursupport. I don’t just want to thank you,

I want to celebrate your bravery ingoing against the tide to support thisproject. You showed foresight andaudacity in standing with us. In spiteof all the opposition, we’re now on theverge of launching the mostsignificant body of work ever in ourown language.

‘You have played a part in bringingGod to us in a refreshing, dynamic andinnovative way. We couldn’t have doneit without you, and we thank youbecause you have stood with usthrough thick and thin. We owe you atremendous debt of gratitude.’

• Claire Smith is a freelancejournalist working for Bible Society

By giving regularly, you can help fund other longed-for projects like this Bible translation. Just£4 a month will provide the gift of the Bible, every month. Visit bibleamonth.org.uk/wia

To buy a copy of the JamaicanNew Testament, download theaudio recording, or find out moreabout the launch events, go tobiblesociety.org.uk/wia-jnt

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Word in Action Winter 2012

6FEATURE – THE BIGGER PICTURE

How does running The Pitch, afilm competition, encourage morepeople to have and read a Bible? Bible Society was established toincrease the circulation and use ofScriptures. Today, in this country, 80percent of people never open a Bible.Our problem is not about getting itout there, but about how we getanyone to start reading it and thinkingabout the stories inside.

You believe people will do that ifwe put the Bible into film? There are many people – our researchtells us – who just don’t do books, butdo films. Film is a visual language.Most readers will know a bad filmwhen they see it because it breachescertain rules. They may never havestudied the rules, but they haveabsorbed them. The young generationspeaks this language, and so there is ademand to put the Bible into thelanguage of the era.

The Pitch is about inviting filmmakersto consider the Bible. I speak to youngfilmmakers, helping to further theircareers and offering them a fantastic,credible prize with high productionvalues and great networking. In factthis competition has one of the verybest offers to short filmmakers in theUK – more than enough reason forthem to open a Bible and startreading.

A filmmaker may have to look atthe Bible for the storyline, butdoes anyone actually explore itfurther?Yes, because The Pitch process is likedropping a stone in a pond. It sendsout ripples. The competition has anonline voting system so there arepeople blogging, facebooking, tellingtheir friends. Then there are thefilmmakers shortlisted as finalists andthe conversations we have atPinewood studios during the finaljudging.

Rob McLellan, The Pitch winner in2010, read the Bible to enter thecompetition and he said at the prizegiving, ‘Apparently everyone knewabout the Battle of Jericho. It wasnews to me.’

So, even before we make a film wehave had a conversation withthousands of people who havegathered around creative, original andfresh new ways of telling Bible stories.

Making the film is then a bonus and,of course, this gives us anotheraudience – those who watch films.

We’ve talked about the UK butThe Pitch is also developing aninternational angle. What’s thenews here?Well, the work has attracted interest from other national BibleSocieties and we are currently workingwith the Bible Society of the WestIndies. There is a great history offilmmaking in Jamaica (famously Liveand Let Die) and a rich history of useof the Bible. Inviting film makers touse the Bible and supporting thehome film industry in the Caribbeanpromises to be an excitingdevelopment.

Back in Britain, The Pitch 2012 is nowopen for entry, closing midday on 12 October 2012.

How does a film competitionget people into the Bible?Luke Walton, producer for The Pitch, explains why we’recommitted to engagingyoung filmmakers with theScriptures.

The Pitch is a filmcompetition in whichparticipants have to come upwith an idea based on theBible. Running since 2009,there have been three winningshort films produced so far –based on the stories ofPhilemon, Rahab and Samsonrespectively. This year'scompetition is open for entriesnow – entrants can upload their2 minute pitch of their idea atenterthepitch.com

Luke Walton, BibleSocieties producer for thePitch and CreativeConsultant.

Bible on the big screen

FEATURE – CHRISTMAS CAMPAIGN

Winter 2012 Word in Action

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In late 2000, Nashat Filmon, Directorof the Palestinian Bible Society, saw

something on television thatprofoundly moved him. It was justafter the second uprising, and theWest Bank was wrought with tension.

A five-year-old boy was beinginterviewed. ‘What’s your dream in life?’

asked the TV presenter.The boy replied, ‘I wantto be a martyr…’

‘That was a shockingwake-up call for us at

the Palestinian Bible Society,’said Nashat. ‘A five-year-old boy hasbeen fed corrupted milk of martyrdomand hatred and death. We realised weneeded to act.’

And so began a programme that todayreaches 5,000 children a year with themessage of the Bible.

Involving summer Bible camps,Christmas and Easter activities and thedistribution of children’s Bibles, theproject, called Child of Bethlehemextends across the West Bank. Its aimis to create a safe, fun and lovingenvironment for children, where theBible’s values of respect, truth andjustice are taught and lived out. Theprogramme allows them to simply bechildren, away from the divided andfractured society they experience every day.

‘Our vision was to give an alternative towhat’s all round children as they growup here, we’re showing a future full ofhope and biblical values,’ said Nashat.

Second to this, he hopes to halt theflood of Christians leaving the HolyLand in search of a better life

elsewhere: if current rates ofemigration continue, by 2025 therewill be no Christians left in thePalestinian Territories.

‘If we don’t have a new generationthat knows the significance of theBible on their land and continues tolive here, these projections will betrue,’ said Nashat.

While the challenge is great – and thesituation complex – the project itself iswonderfully simple.

At the Home of New Life Churchcamp, in Ramallah, 100 children singworship songs, enthusiastically join inthe actions and listen intently to theBible stories. It’s clear that thisprogramme is creating pockets of lightand joy across a troubled region.

Eight-year-old Natalia Imseeh istransfixed by Mr Ok the clown. Hismixture of songs, and puppetry has thechildren captivated – and underpinningit all is the message of the Gospel.

‘I loved it when we sang the song,saying that Jesus loves me,’ saidNatalia. ‘I feel that Jesus loves me. Tothe people that helped me come here,I’d like to say thank you for everythingbecause I have enjoyed everything!’

• Claire Smith is a freelancejournalist working for Bible Society

Visit biblesociety.org.uk/wia-childofbethlehem todownload your free Christmas service resources andfind out more about how you can help spread thegood news of the Gospel this year.

A divided society, politicaltensions… Life for PalestinianChristians is tough. But BibleSociety is bringing Scriptureto life for children.

A Child ofBethlehemis born…

Photos: B

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The separation wall

Natalia Imseeh listens to

a Bible story

Word in Action Winter 2012

8FEATURE – ENGAGING WITH SCRIPTURE

As Olympic and Paralympic feverdies down, the union flags are

packed away and a nation reflects ona golden summer, hundreds of Gamesathletes have headed home withScripture in their suitcases – thanks toyour support.

Your generosity helped make the Bible available at London 2012 in 12 different languages.

A thousand copies of our new SportsBible and 1,750 Gospels of Luke wereprovided in the Athletes’ Village’sChristian room at the Multi-FaithCentre. Eleven other countries,including China and Russia, madeBibles available in their languages.

On our TV screens, we saw athletespraying before races, dedicatingvictories to God and even US longjump bronze medallist Will Clayecarrying a Bible round the track on hislap of honour. But behind the scenes,the Bibles and Scripture portions wereavailable through the team of official

Olympic Christian chaplains, who werethere to meet the spiritual needs ofthe athletes, alongside chaplains fromBuddhist, Hindu, Jewish, and Muslimcommunities.

Revd John Boyers, InternationalDirector of ‘Sports Chaplaincy UK’, hasworked in sports chaplaincy since1977 and was Chaplaincy Manager inthis year’s Athletes’ Village inStratford, London. He said, ‘In theMulti-Faith Centre there were spaciousfacilities, including a large receptionroom, faith rooms for the five major

faiths and a further room for any otherfaith needs, all in a good locationcentral to the whole village.

‘The Christian chaplains, organisedtrained and accredited by LOCOG,came from a variety of backgrounds –and not just denominationally. Somewere local to the London area, somewere from other parts of the UK withproven experience as sports chaplainsand others were internationals offeringlanguage skills, cultural understanding,links with international athletes andexperience of Olympic chaplaincy.

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Bibles avail at Games’

Thanks to you, thousands ofOlympic athletes went homewith Bibles in their bags.Claire Smith finds out howsport and Scripture joinedhands this summer.

Long-jumper WillClaye carries hisBible on a lap ofhonour after winninga bronze medal atLondon’s Olympicgames

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Winter 2012 Word in Action

Bible Society teamrun Bristol 10kAsix-strong team from Bible Society has raised £700 for Bible work

around the world, by running the Bristol 10k race.

It was the team’s first time running a sponsored race together. Butalready there are plans to do it again, despite the pain and blisters ofMay’s event.

Olivia Styles, who edits Word In Action, was part of the team. She says,‘I love working for an organisation that I truly believe in, so it wasgreat to give my time to do this.

‘The worst bit was between 6 and 7km where I knew I had so muchmore to go despite being tired and my legs hurting. Knowing that wewere raising money for Bible Society really kept me going then.’

able to athletes multi-faith centre

‘All seemed to work well together toprovide daily services, Bible study,prayer and worship times for athletesand others living or working inside ‘thevillage’.

‘One of the important resources at ourdisposal were the Bibles given by BibleSociety. The GNB Sports Bible and theGospels of Luke were well used. In mypreparations, I realised we had 24evening Bible study meetings to plan,and copies of Luke’s Gospel with its 24chapters, available. So we studied from

consecutive chapters of Luke for the24 gatherings. In other meetings, weused the Sports Bible for communalreading and preaching in services.

‘The Games protocol meant we wereresponsive in all we did – i.e. we couldnot distribute Bibles freely in theAthletes’ Village. However, we were ableto respond to requests and to questions.

When people came to our centre askingfor copies of Bibles – and many did –we were able to respond positively.

‘Within agreed parameters, and in the

setting of the Multi-Faith Centre, God’s Word was shared, and, webelieve, will continue to reach manyhearts to bring truth, love, grace, hopeand peace.’

For many, the buzz word of thisOlympics has been ‘legacy’ – passing ona love of sport to the next generation,inspiring the Olympians of the future.But, for those athletes who havebenefited from your support, the legacywill hinge on their encounter with thelife-changing message of the Gospel.

(l-r) Matt Zalewski, Killian Sheppard , Olivia Styles, Claire Routley, Ed Powell and Peter Misselbrook

Join Christians all over Englandand Wales to celebrate the Bibleon Sunday 28 October* Bible Society's head of Media Ben Whitnall tells us what it's all about. *or choose another day that suits you.

Bible Sunday

What is Bible Sunday?

Bible Sunday is an opportunity for churches to join with us incelebrating and sharing the gift of Scripture. The Bible is anintegral part of church and Christian life. More than that, it’s anamazing gift, something that is worth celebrating in its own right.We simply want to put a date in the calendar to provide a focus for that.

How can it help my church?

Bible Sunday is a chance to re-orientate ourselves, our churchesand our communities around the Bible. When, as a local church, weengage with the Bible better, then everything else flows from that.We do church better, pastoral work better, mission better anddiscipleship better. It all goes hand in hand.

This year, we’re looking at how we can help people like you takethe Bible out to your wider community – your neighbours, yourcolleagues, your friends.

A lot of Christians are probably nervous about taking the Bibleoutside the church, because they lack the confidence to do it. Butwe don’t have to be aggressive or particularly confident in the waywe do this. It’s honestly something that everyone can do. Why?Because I don’t think that the world is as hostile to the Bible as wemight think.

What difference can the Bible make to my community?

What it offers to each community will be different and you’ll knowwhat’s appropriate. It is the written word bearing witness to theliving word, Jesus.

It might be that you can bring reconciliation to a situation at work,or drop a card in to a neighbour with a verse you think they wouldfind encouraging. Or – as the Bible is all about relationships –maybe you could take a friend’s kids out for the day so they caninvest time in their marriage. If you’re a facebooker, you could evenupdate your status with a Bible verse.

The Bible speaks to every part of every life, whether it’s offeringhope, providing answers to life’s big questions or giving an insightinto God’s character as revealed in Christ. It gives everyone thechance for a right relationship with reality.

Is the Bible still relevant today, when only 10 per cent ofpeople in the UK read it?

It bugs me that people don’t think the Bible is relevant. If the Bibleis true then it’s far more than relevant. If it’s true, then your life ispart of it, not the other way around. I’d say it’s relevant toeveryone. And we offer it to people on Bible Sunday so that peoplehave the chance to make their mind up about it.

How can I get involved?

Firstly, go online, at biblesunday.org/wia. This website tells youabout Bible Sunday and will give you some ideas to get started.

It can be a tough challenge, offering the Bible in a fresh way topeople around you. It can be daunting. But we are passionateabout doing that and we know Christians across the country aretoo.

So we hope you’ll be inspired to get the Bible out to yourcommunity this Bible Sunday. It’s simple really. It’s aboutcelebrating and sharing the Bible with people around you andhopefully, we can help you do that.

Get involvedbiblesunday.org/wia

YOUR TURN10

Ben WhitnallBen Whitnall, Head of Media andCampaigns at Bible Society

Word in Action Winter 2012

11CelebratingGod’s Word

How clearly the sky reveals God's glory! How plainly it shows what he has done!

Each day announces it to the following day; each nightrepeats it to the next.

No speech or words are used, no sound is heard; yettheir message goes out to all the world and is heard tothe ends of the earth. God made a home in the sky forthe sun; it comes out in the morning like a happybridegroom, like an athlete eager to run a race. It startsat one end of the sky and goes across to the other.

Nothing can hide from its heat.

The law of the LORD is perfect; it gives new strength.The commands of the LORD are trustworthy, givingwisdom to those who lack it. The laws of the LORD areright, and those who obey them are happy. The

commands of the LORD are just and give understanding to the mind. Reverence for the LORD is good; it will continue forever. The judgments of theLORD are just; they are always fair.

They are more desirable than the finest gold; they aresweeter than the purest honey. They give knowledge tome, your servant; I am rewarded for obeying them.

None of us can see our own errors; deliver me, LORD,from hidden faults! Keep me safe, also, from wilful sins;don't let them rule over me. Then I shall be perfect andfree from the evil of sin.

May my words and my thoughts be acceptable to you, OLORD, my refuge and my redeemer!

Psalm 19 (GNB)

STEP 1. Read the Scripture passage slowlyand attentively. What word orphrase captures your attention?

STEP 2. Once you find a word or phrase in thepassage that speaks to you, ponder itand allow it to interact with your

thoughts, hopes, memories and desires.

STEP 3. Spend some time

in prayer.

STEP 4. Simply rest in the presence ofthe one who, through hisWord, invites you to accepthis transforming embrace.

STEP 5. Bring God’s Word to life as you putthe Gospel into action. As Jesussaid, ‘Happy are those who hearthe Word of God and obey it!’

Luke 11.28 (GNB)

The Bible gives us a new way of seeing thewhole of life and points us to Jesus whobrings us a deep and freeing forgiveness.This is why we can celebrate the Bible.

So let’s join the celebration and pass it on.As the Psalmist’s words have blessed us,let’s bless other people with the words anddeeds from the Bible.

Winter 2012 Word in Action

churches.biblesociety.org.uk/wia

Amity Printing Company in China will soon be celebrating as its

100 millionth Bible rolls off thepresses. Two thirds of these have goneinto the hands of Chinese Christians.

The landmark is testament to theincreasing interest in Scripture, asChina’s extraordinary church growthcontinues.

But while demand for Scripture is ashigh as ever among rural ChineseChristians, today there’s a new wave ofyoung urbanites turning to the Biblefor answers. These new believers areshunning capitalism in favour ofreligious fulfilment – and they’refinding hope in God’s Word.

Kua Wee Seng, Coordinator of theUnited Bible Societies’ ChinaPartnership, says, ‘Young people areturning to faith because they struggleto cope with the stress and strain oflife, studies and work. But there’s also

a sense of emptiness and a search forpurpose and meaning.’

With so many young people comingfrom single-child families, Wee Sengadded, ‘There’s a sense of belongingand fellowship in the Church whichthey find hard to get elsewhere.’

One woman who found capitalismwanting and turned to faith is JessieLiu, who became a Christian while atcollege.

She says, ‘Like most Chinese people Iwas told we came into the world byaccident. How could I find meaning inthat?’

But now she says, ‘I have foundmeaning in the Bible, the Word ofGod. It makes my eyes and soul lightup. To me, life’s meaning comes fromthe godly view of the origin of theuniverse and life. Now the uneasinessand worries in my heart are gone.’

It’s impossible to say how many

Christians there are in China. Thegovernment’s estimate stands at 30million. But independent observersbelieve that the figure is much higher,possibly as many as 90 million.

Last year, Amity Printing Company, inNanjing, printed 3.7 million Bibles forsale in China. More than half weresubsidised by supporters like you, tomake them affordable for poorfamilies.

The aim now is to produce Bibleresources to reach people like JessieLiu: CD Rom and MP3 versions ofScripture have proved especiallypopular with young urban audiences.

Wee Seng said, ‘Because of thesupport you have given to China in thepast, we can do all this. ‘Because yougave, someone now has their ownprecious Bible to read and mature intheir faith. Someone will come andthank you in heaven.’

Word in Action Winter 2012

12 FEATURE – DISTRIBUTING SCRIPTURE

SUPPORTER Georgie Watesvisited China with us earlierthis year. Here, she opens upher diary on a Bibledistribution visit to a ruralchurch…

We left Xian with boxes ofBibles in the back of the bus,and travelled for over anhour into the countryside.

The pollution hung above usand felt oppressive. As wenudged our way down thenarrowest of lanes, we cameupon the Gospel VillageChurch.

Their welcome was so overwhelming. They hugged us and we learnedquickly to say ‘God bless you’ in Chinese, a seemingly inadequateresponse to the outpouring of love which flowed from their hearts. Weworshipped together, they sang in Chinese and we sang back in English.

There was a sense of anticipation as we opened the boxes and people’seyes lit up as we handed out the Bibles. Many were in tears as theyreceived their own copy of Scripture for the first time. Others wereexcited to have an opportunity to give their copy to a neighbour whowanted to know more about Jesus. They had prepared a feast ofcherries and melon, and as we sat and shared the love of God withthese amazing people, it seemed like a glorious day. The smog was stillthere but the skies were blue above us.

• Georgie Wates

Newwave ofbelieversin China

As China celebrates 100million Bibles printed, yoursupport is helping towelcome young Chineseurbanites who are turning tothe Gospel for answers.

A Christian at Rong He parish church,neighbouring Gospel Village Church.

Winter 2012 Word in Action

13

Dorothy Evans, 74, from Lymm, Cheshire

Retired doctor, Dorothy Evans,first heard about Bible Societyas a teenager attending astrict Baptist Church in herhome county of Suffolk. And, assoon as the Bible a Month clubwas set up, Dorothy was one ofthe first to join, paying £2 amonth at that time.

Having worked in a mission hospital in India for eight years,she knew the needs of people in developing countries andwanted to continue to support them.

‘When you hear about different countries and the peoplewho can’t afford to eat let alone afford a Bible, it bringshome how well off we are,’ she says. ‘Through Bible a Monthyou can help people have Bibles who couldn’t have themunder any other circumstances.

‘I’m a Christian and so the Bible is important to me. Peopleneed to read the Bible to give them spiritual food. Andpeople who become Christians want to own a Bible.’

Margaret Fromow, 74,from Poole, Dorset

Margaret is the secondgeneration of life-long BibleSociety supporters in herfamily. Her parents alsosupported our work for manyyears. Aged just 14, Margaretbecame a Christian anddecided to support BibleSociety herself.

‘I started contributing regularly from my pocket money toprovide Bibles for those who had never heard of the love thatGod had for them,’ she recalls.

Over the years, Margaret has found many different ways to raisefunds. As organist at St Mary’s Church in Ferndown (Poole) inDorset, she played every day, except Sundays, for a wholemonth in 2005 and raised £700 for Bible translation work.

‘My great vision and yearning is to give people who havenever heard of the love of Jesus the message that he died forthem,’ she says, ‘That’s where my heart is. It is so moving toknow that people will receive the Word of God in their ownlanguage. It makes me very humble.’

She added, ‘What a privilege it is to be able to give so thatthose unreached by the Gospel may receive the Good Newsthat Jesus loves them.’

SUPPORTER NEWS

Nordic dining for Cambodian BiblesA HARROGATE COUPLE haveraised money to distribute 100Bibles in Cambodia by hostingmeals in a Nordic hut in theirback garden.

John and Jen Dening came upwith the idea after their churchminister told them about Chrey,in Cambodia, who longed for a

Bible but couldn’t afford a copyof her own. The minister gaveevery home group £50, andasked them to go and raise moremoney to provide Scriptures forpeople like Chrey.

So the Denings boughtingredients for a series of three-course meals, opened up their

hut, and invited friends to comefor dinner in return for adonation. Visitors paid £15 eachto enjoy the cosy surroundingsand a selection of food cooked on the hut’s open fire.Altogether, £400 was raised toprovide Bibles to CambodianChristians.

Jen said, ‘Our home groupmembers helped John and I inthe food preparation, andeveryone who came loved it! It’sgreat to think people will receiveBibles as a result of these funevenings, and I pray they will beblessed as they read and absorbGod’s love for us all.’

Diamond supportWE’VE CELEBRATED 60 years of the Queen on the throne thissummer, but we think some of our supporters could match that forcommitment! Here are two diamond supporters, who have each beenfaithfully praying for and donating to Bible Society for 60 years…

Photos:BIble Soc

iety/Clare Ke

ndall

Photos:BIble Soc

iety/Clare Ke

ndall

A group enjoy a delicious meal in the Denings’ Nordic hut, and help provide Bibles to Cambodian Christians at the same time!

YOUR LETTERS & COMMENTS

Dear Bible Society

I want to thank you so muchfor sending me the FreedomBible. I really appreciate it.The most amazing thinghappened after opening it. Ihad been under enormousattack yesterday and hadactually felt like giving upand closing my ministryafter running for manyyears. The ongoing strugglewith finances and workersand the onslaughts of theenemy really got to me and Ifelt enough is enough!Someone ministered to me

and encouraged me not togive up and then prayedwith me. Just after that Iread the letter from you thatcame with the Bible and thissentence jumped out at melike a Rhema word:

Do not give up hope! Youare doing a great andnecessary work. Keep strong!You are an example to othersof the right response toinjustice. Trust God! He isstronger than the darkestforces that work against you.

So thank you and know that

the Lord even used thewording in your letter toencourage me. Bless you inyour work.

Marge, South Africa

Editor’s response

We love to hear how theBible has spoken to you.Thanks for sharing this – wehope it is an encouragementfor others too.

You can pick up a copy ofthe Freedom Bible andother resources fromshop.biblesociety.org.uk/wia

STAR LETTER

Thank you to everyone whohas written comments. Manyof you wrote to let us knowthat you would like to be ableto give but at this time arenot able to. We completelyunderstand and want you toknow that your prayers arereally valued.

ENCOURAGING

Dear Bible Society

As a lay preacher I appreciatereceiving Word in Action as Iam able to share stories andnews with churches. It alsoenables me to encourage mychurch to continue supportingBible Society work.

David, Hampshire

TURKISH DELIGHT

Dear Bible Society

Delighted to hear of the workof Bible Society in so manyparts of the world, especiallyin Turkey.

Patricia, Lancaster

NEW TO BIBLE SOCIETY

Dear Bible Society

As someone new to BibleSociety I find the magazinequite interesting andinformative. I also did notrealise how much work BibleSociety does around the world.

David, Aylesbury

PREFERRED PREVIOUS

Dear Bible Society

Excellent, informative andengaging. However I muchprefer the previous format ofthe quarterly Prayer Bulletin.The narrative, needs andpresentation, particularlywhen they related to Word inAction were an effective aidto daily prayer and devotion.

Raymond, Norwich

NEW PRAYER FORMAT

Dear Bible Society

I like the new prayer formatwhich came with this mailing

and always find Word inAction interesting to read.There is a legacy in my willfor Bible Society.

Brenda, Bognor Regis

Editor’s response

Thank you so much for yourprayers and remembering usin your will. To find out moreabout supporting throughprayer or legacy giving,please call 01793 418222.

INSPIRATIONAL!

Dear Bible Society

Inspirational! Which is why I(and the family) chose towalk in the footsteps of MaryJones for my birthday!

Lesley, Lampeter

COMING SOON

Dear Bible Society

Could you produce a DVD tobuy with the shortlisted andwinning entries of The Pitchcompetition?

Flavia, Essex

Editor’s response

Great idea! We are stillentering past films intofestivals but will produce aDVD or stream the films atthe end of that process. In themean time visitenterthepitch.com to watch.

Bible Society

We recently posed a question on ourfacebook page, which Bible verse orpassage inspired this artwork?

Here are some of your responses…

Tom Matthew 3.17, New InternationalVersion (©1984)

’And a voice from heaven said, "Thisis my Son, whom I love; with him Iam well pleased”.’

Elma Noah and the ark.

Emeka You shall receive power when theHoly Spirit descends upon you, andyou shall be my witness…

JohannaWhen Jesus was baptised, a dovedescended upon him and theheavens opened up and a voice fromheaven said this is my beloved Sonin whom I am well pleased.

SusanBaptised in fire?

PaulJesus being baptised then Gods lightin the form of a dove upon him.

Thanks for all your responses. Theofficial write-up says this work isinspired by Acts 2-3: the ‘tongues of fire’when the Holy Spirit came on the day ofPentecost.

Come and join the debate on facebookand Twitter. Search for Bible Society –and we’ll see you there.

JOIN US ON

14

Word in Action Winter 2012

Please send us your feedback. We love to hear yourthoughts and comments, particularly on stories orfeatures in Word in Action.

Email us at wia@biblesociety.org.uk or use thecomments form attached.

We reserve the right to edit letters for style and length.The views expressed do not necessarily represent thoseof Bible Society.

Winter 2012 Word in Action

15LAST WORD

After 14 years working in the City fora financial communicationsconsultancy, Mark Harris wanted toput his theology, philosophy andcommunications experience to work inthe world of politics.

‘The Parliamentary Officer role forBible Society seemed ideal for me,’Mark enthused. ‘I love the mixture ofthe role – there's the pastoral side,encouraging debate and advocatingfor the Bible in the life and thinking ofparliament.’

Mark helps to lead Bible studies withMPs and support them in their faith.‘There are lots of Christians working inparliament,’ says Mark ‘and the moresupport and encouragement they canget, the more confident they will be tograpple with the biblical text in themidst of complex issues’.

He also arranges talks by leadingChristian thinkers in order to equip theChristian and challenge the sceptic.Another part of his role is to explorewith parliamentarians what the Bible

may say on the key questions of ourtime – and he does this via chats overcoffee, or by organising public debateson issues like ‘ethics and finance andfaith’.

‘Bible Society is here in parliament toshow that the Bible is surprisinglygood and that its goodness applies toall of our lives,’ says Mark. ‘The Bibleshould be part of the conversation.’

Bible people

FunnilyEnoughWhen I fell ill with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (or ME)my doctor prescribed keeping a diary. This proveduseful and quite fun. I not only recorded the amusingthings that happened to me over the course of a yearbut made sketches of the people and animals around me.

Years later, when I was really much better, I felt urged to adapt thediary into a book to reach out to people who don’t know the Bible.It took ages. At one stage I stopped writing and said, 'Lord, do youreally want me to spend so much time on this?' Immediately averse from the Old Testament came into my head. I looked it up:

‘Write the vision and make it plain on tablets, that he may run whoreads it’. Habakkuk 2.2

This was in 2001. I thought the word tablet very old-fashioned at

the time, never guessing that it would bepossible to read a book on an electronicgadget, called a tablet. I completed thebook but put it in a drawer while Icontinued writing the sequel and more.

In 2011 we went to China with Bible Societyand were taken around the vast factorywhere China’s bestseller – the Bible – isprinted. There, on the first press, was myverse: Habakkuk 2.2. I returned to Englandand started to format Funnily Enough forpublication. A year later it was topping theKindle charts – a Christian book, full of

Bible verses, being downloaded onto tablets at the rate of 250 anhour. I now run around with it – and the sequel – on my iPhone.

• Sophie Neville is a writer working on true-life stories and anexecutive producer with Witness Films Ltd. Funnily Enough andRide the Wings of Morning are available from Amazon books onKindle, and in hardcover and paperback.

From 7-11 October, Word in Action readers can download Funnily Enough on Kindle from Amazon for free. Just visitAmazon.co.uk

One verse

Into WestminsterQuotes

‘‘‘I can do all things through Christ whostrengthens me!” That’s my favorite because onthe track, I am usually trying to do things thathave rarely been done before. I know that it’sonly God that gives me the strength toaccomplish these things.’

Sanya Richards-Ross – 400m Olympic Goldmedalist (About.com)

‘My Bible. I won it for anessay I wrote for Sundayschool when I was 12. I’m 79now and it’s quite tatty, but ifever I get depressed, I read apassage and it gives mestrength.’

Dickie Bird, Cricket Umpire (Dailymail.co.uk)

Sophie Neville

Mark Harris

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For these and other Christmas gift ideas and resources visitShop.biblesociety.org.uk/Christmas or call 0800 652 5369